Riverside seeks $2.2 million grant for downtown street improvements

Village trustees in Riverside have approved an application for over $2.2 million in grant funding through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program to support downtown street improvements. If awarded in the spring of 2027, the grant would cover 80% of construction costs and 50% of lighting costs for Riverside Road, East Quincy Street, East Avenue, and Forest Avenue.

The project aims to enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Planned upgrades include new sidewalks with permeable pavers, curb bump-outs near crosswalks, increased sidewalk width on East Avenue, raised planters with native vegetation, new seating, and reconfigured crosswalks. Additional improvements include new traffic control measures at East and Pine avenues and the installation of bike racks.

Riverside is also utilizing an Invest in Cook grant, which will cover $120,698 for phase two engineering costs. Combined with the ITEP grant, the village could receive a total of $2,359,221, leaving the municipality to cover approximately $787,594. If successful, construction is slated to begin in 2028.